Summer Fun for Kids

Kids look forward to summer break, but let’s face it; the inevitable “we’re bored,” statements are just around the corner. Be prepared with some new and exciting toys and games when the kids are tired of playing with the same old stuff. These summer must-haves are perfect to have on hand to keep the groaning at bay. They also make excellent summer birthday party gifts.

Snuggly Rascals

Summer is road-trip season and these are a must! Snuggly Rascals are comfortable headphones for children that have an 85-decibel limit to protect ears from noise damage. The fun, character themed headphones come in a variety of designs from a unicorn to a monster and the headphones can be removed from the fleece, headband-style wrap to wash it. $16, Amazon

ALEX DIY Knot a Shark

ALEX DIY Knot-A-Shark comes with everything you need to make every week Shark Week. Create your own snuggly, terror-of-the-deep blanket, that you crawl inside of, ideal for naps, sleepovers or binge-watching your favorite show. Stitch together the shark’s face with pre-punched fleece and felt pieces, then knot the sides closed and add a tail. When complete, the project measures 42in. x 60in. (106.7cm. x 152.4cm.). Includes 5 precut fleece shapes, 15 precut polyester felt shapes, 3 colors of cotton embroidery floss, needle and easy instructions. Recommended for children 8 years of age and older. $16; Amazon

Water Warriors Blasters

Come prepared to the next summer shindig with Water Warriors' fun and affordable water blasters. Both the Steady Stream X and Outlaw blasters are powerful, easy-to-use, and under $12. Big water fun doesn’t have to mean big bucks! The Outlaw holds up to 48 oz. of water and weighs only 4 1/2 pounds when filled. For ages 5 and up. Outlaw /$11; KmartSteady Stream/$8; Kmart

Untamed Raptors

Stave off boredom with these UNTAMED Raptors by Fingerlings! The interactive predators are fierce and unpredictable, and you choose whether they become friend or foe. Complete with snapping jaws and gripping claws, these raptors feature more than 40 different sounds and interactions from roaring and hissing to nuzzling and purring. $15; Amazon

Boom, Bang, Gold

New from HABA toys: Boom, Bang, Gold is an exciting game with plenty of action in which speed and a good eye are important. The person who manages to collect the most nuggets in their gold chest at the end of the day wins the fast-paced hunt for gold. $30; Amazon

T. Rex Excavation Kit from Thames & Kosmos

My kids had to take turns with this kit which was a challenge because they loved it so much! Next time, they'll each get their own. Use the hammer and chisel to go on a hunt for Tyrannosaurus rex, the dangerous prehistoric giant. Excavate the skeleton relief from the surrounding soft plaster block. $13; Amazon

Sculptapalooza

This game is like pictionary without the drawing. Sculptapalooza uses Playfoam to create sculptures your team can guess. Two teams take turns drawing cards and using squishy, squashy Playfoam® to sculpt what they see. But hold on tight! You might have to sculpt with your eyes closed, use your sculpture as a charades prop, or tag team with another player. Guess what your team sculpted before time runs out to score a point. The first team to earn 20 points wins the game! $20; Amazon

GELLI Arts Stamping and Printing Kit

With Gelli Arts® gel printing plates look and feel just like gelatin, but are durable, reusable, and easily cleaned up, all you need is a paper towel or baby wipe! Always ready for simple and fun printing, achieve instant gratification – and consistently flawless designs. All products are non-toxic and proudly made in the USA! It's a safe way to get kids away from their phones and computers and introduce them to the joy of creating art. $22; GELLI Arts

About Heather

Heather is the founder of GirlGoneMom.com. She lives in Southern New Jersey with her husband, 8-year-old daughter, 5-year-old son, two cats Winston and Spencer and our lab Buddy. You’ll find a combination of family-friendly reviews and giveaways, deal alerts, personal stories and articles relating to parenting on GirlGoneMom.com.